An aerial view of Mumbai shrouded in haze as air quality worsens. (Photo: PTI)

22 of world's 25 most polluted cities are in India. Where is Delhi?

India's air pollution crisis extends beyond Delhi, with cities across several states appearing near the top of a global real-time ranking.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Meerut ranks second with AQI of 386
  • NCR cities like Ghaziabad, Noida also in top 10
  • Delhi shows slight AQI improvement but still polluted

India's air pollution problem is spreading far beyond the national capital. A real-time ranking of the world's most polluted cities shows 22 of the 25 places on the list are in India, with towns and cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Maharashtra featuring prominently.

The ranking from AQI.in at 11 am, places Meerut second, with an air quality index (AQI) of 386.

Ghaziabad follows at fourth with 370, while Panipat in Haryana is fifth at 369. Noida and Greater Noida are also among the top 10, recording AQI readings of 367 and 361, respectively.

A metro train moves amid low visibility caused by smog and rising air pollution. (Photo: PTI)

The readings recorded in multiple parts of India signal the dangerous air millions are breathing, and are facing serious health risks.

POLLUTION COVERS NORTH INDIA

The concentration of cities from the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighbouring states points to a wider regional problem.

Alongside Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida and Greater Noida, the list includes Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, Sonipat, Karnal and Panipat.

A graphic shows the ranking of the top 25 most polluted places globally. (Photo: ITGD)

Cities farther away are also affected. Bhiwandi and Thane in Maharashtra, Bathinda and Faridkot in Punjab, and Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan appear in the ranking.

This spread of poor AQI illustrated how air pollution in not confined to city boundaries. Smoke, dust and emissions from vehicles, industries, construction and other activities can add to the pollution burden across neighbouring areas.

View of the city skyline engulfed in haze amid poor visibility, in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI)

WHERE IS DELHI?

Delhi's absence from the 25-city ranking comes as the capital recorded a marginal improvement in air quality on October 24.

According to AQI.in data Delhi's AQI fell to 296 at 9.31 am, from 337 at the same time on October 23.

The 41-point drop offered some relief, but the air remained heavily polluted.

The ranking is a real-time snapshot, so a city's position can change as pollution levels fluctuate. Delhi's absence should not be mistaken for a lasting improvement.

 A layer of smog engulfs the surrounding at India Gate, New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

Going ahead, as winter approaches, weaker winds and changing weather conditions can make it harder for pollutants to disperse. Smoke from crop-residue burning in neighbouring states can add to emissions from traffic, construction and industry.

For now, with cities across several states appearing near the top of the global ranking, sustained action against pollution sources remains crucial.

- Ends